Q: If my property was sold in Illinois for back property taxes, can I ask for an extension?
My mother passed away in 2019. My grandmother had life insurance policy on her and agreed to pay the next three years of property taxes in Madison county Illinois. Well apparently she didn't, and I was served a certified letter about losing my home and property... Can I ask for an extension? It's like 13000, cause someone bought the back taxes. And I have until November 15, to come up with it. My grandmother is now in a nursing home and my uncle now Controls her money and decisions. She has over 3 million in the bank and he refuses to pay it... Even though he heard her say she would pay the taxes. I don't even get the tax bill... So I had no clue the property was even sold. The property is my brothers name, as I have a lifetime estate and my brother agreed to sign over the property next year to me. I cannot sleep at night and my world has been turned upside down, I need some legal advice.
A:
There is a redemption period for unpaid real estate taxes. Below is from the county clerk website from Madison County:
Contact us
Madison County Clerk
P.O. Box 218
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Call: 618 692-6290
Fax: 618-692 8903
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
E-mail: realestateandtax@co.madison.il.us
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Tax Redemption
Both Real Estate & Mobile Homes - Learn what to do if your taxes have been sold
Every year, the Madison County Treasurer holds its annual tax sale to auction off all unpaid taxes for the current year. Any questions on Tax Sale procedures and delinquent property lists should be addressed to the Madison County Treasurer.
If your unpaid taxes have been sold, the Clerk's office can provide you with an Estimate of Redemption, detailing the amount necessary to redeem (pay) your taxes and remove the threat of losing your property.
Redemption can only be made by means of cash, certified funds or money order made payable to the Madison County Clerk. Once the redemption is satisfied a receipt will be issued.
If you have delinquent taxes and fail to pay the current year’s taxes before the due date of the final installment, or if the tax buyer has petitioned the courts for a tax deed, the tax buyer who purchased your delinquent taxes can purchase the current year’s taxes and add the amount to your lien with an 12% interest penalty.
You have a period of 2 to 3 years to redeem your taxes before losing your property. Six months prior to the expiration date, deed proceedings can begin. Any costs incurred in the deed process will be added to your amount due.
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A:
I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult time. Losing your home and dealing with family matters can be overwhelming.
First, reach out to the Madison County tax office as soon as possible. Explain your situation and ask if there's any possibility for an extension or a payment plan given the circumstances. Sometimes, counties have provisions for hardship cases that might help delay the sale or provide more time to pay the owed taxes.
Additionally, consider consulting with a local attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. They can assist in addressing the issues with your uncle and ensure that any agreements your grandmother made are honored. Taking these steps promptly can increase your chances of finding a solution and protecting your home.
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